Effects of the Lunar Eclipse on Each Zodiac Sign

Cinepatra/Lifestyle 

As the Earth orbits the Sun and the Moon orbits the Earth, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the Sun’s light. In this situation, the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. This shadowing of the Moon is called a lunar eclipse.

When the Moon is completely covered by the Earth’s shadow, it is called a total lunar eclipse. When only part of the Moon is covered, it is called a partial lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse occurs on a full moon day, whereas a solar eclipse occurs on a new moon day.

Not every full moon or new moon results in an eclipse. For a solar eclipse to occur, the Moon must come between the Sun and the Earth in a straight line. However, this alone is not sufficient. The orbits of the Earth and the Moon are tilted at an angle of about 5.15 degrees to each other. Twice a year, there are occasions when the two opposite points of the Moon’s orbit align with the Earth’s orbit, placing the Sun, Earth, and Moon in a straight line. Eclipses occur during these alignments.

According to Vedic astrology, a lunar eclipse occurs when, on a full moon day, the Moon aligns in the same zodiac sign with Rahu or Ketu.

Religious Perspective

According to Hindu scriptures, during the distribution of nectar (amrita) after the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), a demon named Swarbhanu disguised himself as a god and sat between the Sun and the Moon among the gods to consume the nectar. After drinking the nectar, he became immortal. However, the Sun and the Moon recognized him and informed Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu then used his Sudarshan Chakra to sever Swarbhanu’s head from his body.

Since Swarbhanu had already consumed the nectar, both parts remained alive. The head became Rahu and the body became Ketu. It is believed that Rahu and Ketu periodically swallow the Sun and the Moon in revenge, which appears as eclipses. Thus, during a solar or lunar eclipse, the Sun or Moon is considered to enter the orbit of Rahu or Ketu.

Timing of the Lunar Eclipse

This lunar eclipse will begin (first contact) on Sunday, Bhadra 22, 2082 B.S., at 10:11 PM.

• Penumbral/partial phase begins: 10:11 PM

• Eclipse conjunction: 11:15 PM

• Maximum eclipse: 11:56 PM

• Beginning of end phase: 12:38 AM

• End of eclipse (moksha): 1:41 AM

The total duration of the eclipse is 3 hours and 30 minutes.

According to Vedic tradition, the new day begins only after sunrise. Therefore, even times after midnight (1:00 AM) are still considered part of the same lunar date (22nd).

Religious Restrictions (Sutak Period)

According to Vedic scriptures, the sutak (inauspicious period) begins some time before the eclipse starts. Although the eclipse begins at 10:11 PM, the sutak starts at 1:11 PM on the same day.

From the start of the sutak until the end of the eclipse:

• Eating is prohibited (except for children, the elderly, the sick, and the weak).

• Sleeping, defecating, sexual activity, killing, and binding activities are considered forbidden during the eclipse period.

Astrological Effects on Zodiac Signs

• Aries (Mesha) – Gain

• Taurus (Vrishabha) – Happiness

• Gemini (Mithuna) – Loss of honor

• Cancer (Karkata) – Suffering

• Leo (Simha) – Trouble for spouse

• Virgo (Kanya) – Happiness and gain

• Libra (Tula) – Anxiety

• Scorpio (Vrischika) – Sorrow and physical pain

• Sagittarius (Dhanu) – Financial gain

• Capricorn (Makara) – Loss

• Aquarius (Kumbha) – Danger

• Pisces (Meena) – Increased expenses

Overall, the eclipse is considered favorable for Aries, Taurus, Virgo, and Sagittarius, while it may bring unfavorable results for the other zodiac signs according to astrological belief.